JUDGEMENT day for a controversial application to erect four huge wind turbines on a ridge near Frodsham will come in three months.

A proposal by developer Tegni Cymru to site a wind-farm at Aston Grange Farm will be considered by Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee in September, said Richard Ellison, head of planning and building control.

The application, submitted a year ago, also includes a substation, access tracks and a wind monitoring mast, and was the subject of wide public consultation.

However, Mr Ellison said the consultation period had been extended until the end of this month to consider an independent review of the scheme's environmental impact commissioned by the borough council, and to allow the public to respond to additional information submitted by Tegni Cymru in support of its application.

The proposal has provoked a storm of protest from residents concerned that the development in a green belt area would be a blot on the Weaver Valley landscape.

Aston residents are campaigning against the scheme and Frodsham Town Council has also lodged official objections ongrounds including detrimental visual impact on the landscape and local amenity and concerns about increased traffic.

Campaigners also fear the scheme could pose a hazard to planes approaching Liverpool Airport. However, Tegni Cymru reports that the airport has now withdrawn its original objection to the scheme.

The company says the wind-farm is anticipated to have a 20-25 year operating period.

The company's latest document in support of its application highlights further 'mitigation measures' in respect of landscape; ecology; public rights of way and local amenity; construction access and transportation and public safety, and concludes: 'The proposed windfarm would appear to be an appropriate development in a suitable location'.

Nevertheless, Frodsham Town Council is maintaining its objections.

Cllr Tom Reynolds said: 'The concept should never have been put forward. I'm a great believer in renewable energy, but erecting something like this in a local beauty spot would be absolutely heinous.'

Aston residents will also continue their campaign to scupper the scheme.